Welcome to Chess Education Partners, Inc.
"Chess Programs for Children"
Ph: (312) 927-4290
Email: Chessteachers@aol.com
An Introduction to Chess Tournaments for Children
Many children learn to play chess. The great majority of these youngsters play their first games with family and friends. Games with grandparents and parents quickly awaken children to the positive social aspects of friendly, non-threatening, competition.
After their friendly introduction to the Royal Game, children bring their newfound prowess to school, where they can test their skills among their peers and rivals. This is pure joy for most young chess players.
Chess among family and friends is a gift that children may enjoy throughout their lives.
Tournament chess is the next arena where young chess players can test their skill. Chess tournaments are not only competitions, but social events as well. Children will meet peers with a similar love for the game. They will feel an immediate connection with the young strangers they will meet and compete against.
The competitions for children fall into three categories:
1. Scholastic events
2. Class events
3. Open events
Scholastic events are for school children. The children play in sections based on grade levels or chess ratings. Chess ratings are a measure of chess strength based on a player’s past performances.
Class events make no distinction for age or school grade. Competitors play in classes, or flights, against players of similar ability.
Open events are for everyone. Beginner’s play with accomplished players and everyone in-between.
Tournament chess differs in many ways from social chess, yet the game is virtually unchanged. Rules are strictly enforced, and etiquette must be followed. Players are required to record their games using chess notation. Tournament games have a time limit. Each player is allotted the same amount of time to play their moves. Scholastic chess games have time limits ranging from thirty to ninety minutes. Chess clocks are used to enforce the time limits.
Of course, the psychological aspects of tournament chess are quite different as well. Wins are sweeter, and losses are more bitter. There will be many smiles, and possibly a few tears, at every scholastic chess tournament.
A chess tournament can last the better part of a day, or even a weekend. Parents and children need to be prepared for the down time that occurs between games.
Chess playing children have a great time at tournaments if they are properly prepared. To enjoy a tournament to its fullest, a child needs to know the rules (including the touch move rule), they should be comfortable taking chess notation, and they should be comfortable using a chess clock.
Here are some web sites to help you find tournament information:
How to enjoy your chess tournament experience
Ten things you should know to make your tournament experience a success:
1. Check to verify all of your registration information. Check the spelling of your name, the division you are entered into.
2. Be prepared for a long, challenging day of chess. Arrive on time for each game. There are no eliminations.
3. Know the rules. Tournaments players are expected to know the "touch move rule", and how to use a chess clock.
4. Players should be familiar with chess notation so they can write down their moves.
5. Always report the result of your games to tournament officials. Expect to win some game and lose some games.
6. Use sportsmanship. Play your hardest even when you are losing. Do not offer a draw if you are losing. Once your game is over, you can ask your opponent to review the moves of the game with you and look for improvements.
7. Stay well fed and drink plenty of healthy fluids. Stay away from junk food.
8. Raise your hand whenever you have a dispute with your opponent. A tournament official will come to help you.
9. Do not talk to anyone who is playing in a chess game. You may be disqualified.
10. Remember that you get each time you play. If you do not win an award this time, you will have a better chance next time.